Rev Janet Trevithick

Council-run Portsmouth care home put into special measures

If you come to Titchfield this Sunday (Palm Sunday) you can see Meg the Donkey and Jesus lead the procession from the Parish Rooms through the village to St Peter’s Church.

People walking with Meg will be dressed as characters from the Easter Week story.

As you enter St Peter’s all the people will send up the cries of Hosanna, Glory to God and Jesus our King as Jesus enters the ‘temple’ with his disciples.

But the mood will soon change as he turns over the money changers’ tables and is betrayed by Judas while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane as the disciples sleep.

Jesus will be arrested by the Temple Guard and the shouts of hosanna will change to ‘Crucify Him, Crucify Him.’

Jesus will then be led forward by the Roman soldiers, carrying his cross, to be crucified.

But we will have to wait until Easter Sunday when he is resurrected for the joyful conclusion to this harrowing story.

If you come early enough on Palm Sunday you can enjoy our Café Connect breakfast in the Parish Rooms. Café Connect normally takes place on the third Sunday of the month from 10.45am to 12.30pm when anyone can come and enjoy food and drink in a relaxed café atmosphere.

For Palm Sunday we will be starting early, serving bacon or egg rolls, croissants and muffins from 8.30am to 9.45am as the crowds gather for the procession to the church.

During Holy Week we will continue to remember the events of Easter, with evening prayer on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and a foot-washing service on Maundy Thursday evening (all at 7.30pm).

On Good Friday (March 25) the walk of witness from Titchfield Abbey starting at midday will be followed by hot cross buns in the Chapter room with the Good Friday Liturgy in the church commencing at 2pm.

On Saturday (March 26) there will be a vigil and service of light at 8pm followed by quiet prayer.

On Easter Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection with an all-age service which includes sprinkling the whole congregation with water to symbolise our baptism.

Do come and join us for all or some of these services. You’ll be very welcome.